Record December Downloads Helped Drive Likely Profit to $3 Billion for the Year

As Apple Inc. sells more iPhones and iPads, it also sells more apps. The volume of those sales became clear for the first time when Apple said on Tuesday it sold more than $10 billion worth through its App Store last year.

After taking its 30% cut, Apple appears to have generated more than $3 billion in revenue from the App Store last year—the vast majority of which likely was profit. The milestone reflects the virtuous cycle that has emerged from the success of its iPhone and iPad. When an Apple user buys apps or spends...